Man Who Robbed CVS Stores, Tried To Run Over FBI Agents, Sentenced

ATLANTA, GA — A Douglas County man who robbed a string of metro Atlanta CVS stores and other businesses, then tried to run over FBI agents in Cumming with his car, has been sentenced to federal prison.

Kelvonne D. Charleston, 38, of Lithia Springs, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Thomas W. Thrash to 15 years, eight months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $36,413.15.

Charleston pleaded guilty to the charges against him on June 1.

From late 2013 through May 4, 2015, multiple CVS pharmacies and other commercial businesses in the metro Atlanta area were robbed by a man using the same method of operation. The man wore a mask or bandanna and used what appeared to be a firearm to rob the stores.

FBI and police identified a suspect, and found that the same individual was repeatedly showing up in the area of the robberies — Kelvonne Charleston.

On May 4, 2015, the FBI and police moved in to arrest Charleston as he attempted to enter and rob a CVS pharmacy in Cumming. When the agents identified themselves, Charleston turned toward the agents with what they believed was a real firearm. He then ran from them, got in his vehicle, and drove toward two FBI agents with the pistol in his hand.

To stop him, the agents fired in self-defense at Charleston and wounded him. However, Charleston still managed to drive past these agents and only came to a stop after he struck two separate FBI vehicles and wrecked his own car.

Despite being wounded, Charleston fought with the agents as they removed him from his car. They later discovered what turned out to be a replica handgun.

The agents administered first aid and paramedics took Charleston to the hospital where he later confessed to robbing several CVS stores.

“"he defendant was a violent criminal who terrorized ordinary citizens," said U. S. Attorney John Horn. "Once he was caught, Charleston thought he could intimidate the FBI and police by driving his car toward them. He hit several cars, injured several law enforcement officers and caused significant damage."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Atlanta Police Department, Powder Springs Police Department, and Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela Marie Munson and Joseph A. Plummer prosecuted the case.

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